Chinese-style Chicken in a Sweet Lemon Sauce
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a recipe that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey: Chinese-style Chicken in a Sweet Lemon Sauce. As an experienced chef and dedicated food blogger, I guarantee that this dish is a harmonious combination of succulent chicken bathed in a luscious sweet lemon sauce. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of tanginess and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Equipment
- 1 wok
- 2 bowls
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce divided
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into strips
- 3 cups peanut oil plus 1 tablespoon for stir-frying
- 11/2 cups cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg whites in a bowl then mix in chicken cubes until evenly coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to marinate.
- Meanwhile, preheat oil in a wok to 350 °F and prepare a bowl with 11⁄2 cups cornstarch.
- Toss marinated chicken cubes in cornstarch, covering completely. Then deep fry for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate covered with paper towels and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then place back into the wok to deep fry for 30 seconds more. Return to plate and set aside.
- Discard deep frying oil and clean wok. Return to heat over medium-high and wait until wok is hot.
- Coat bottom of wok with 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, then stir in chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, and sugar. Keep stirring until smooth and mixture is greatly reduced. Add cornstarch dissolved in water and stir until sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Add chicken to sauce and mix together until chicken is well-coated. Transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and tuck lemon slices on the side.
- Serve.
Video
Notes
The star of this dish is the vibrant sweet lemon sauce. To create the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, we blend freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger. The lemon juice adds a refreshing and tangy note, while the honey brings a natural sweetness. The soy sauce adds savory depth, and the garlic and ginger infuse aromatic flavors that elevate the dish to new heights. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and achieve a sauce that dances on your palate.